The Belmont Stakes is set to kick off this weekend.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman honored the winners of this year's Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes Wednesday. Both winners are Long Islanders.

John Velasquez and Javier Castellano say they are ready to put on a show for the hometown crowd.

Blakeman says the county is monitoring the air quality situation, but Saturday's race is on, and conditions will be safe for visitors, competitors and the horses.